-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Question about assistance with topo CDs
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 2004 09:25:00 -0600
From: Katie Lage <[log in to unmask]>
To: Maps and Air Photo Systems Forum <[log in to unmask]>

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As is the case with most map libraries these days, the University of
Colorado at Boulder Map Library is purchasing more and more CDs with
topographic (or other) maps, such as those produced by National Geographic's
TOPO! and Terrain Navigator. Most of these are software programs and do not
circulate. We're having a difficult time deciding how much or how little
help we should offer patrons with these products. Do we simply direct the
patron to the program and help them open it? Do we show them the basics of
zooming, saving, and printing? Do we help them create a custom map?

So far we have been showing patrons the basics of the program and requiring
our student employees to know the basics also. This assistance is becoming
more complicated as the number of programs by different companies multiplies
and there are more programs for us to learn and train our student workers
how to use.

Can other University map libraries offer comments on how much help your
library staff offers? And if student employees help with reference are they
also required to learn the programs and help patrons use them?

-Katie

Katie Lage
Map Librarian
University of Colorado at Boulder
Jerry Crail Johnson Earth Sciences & Map Library
184 UCB
Boulder, CO 80309
Phone: 303-735-4917 FAX: 303-735-4879
http://ucblibraries.colorado.edu/map/